The 22 Best Hypoallergenic Dogs for Allergy Sufferers, Eye infections in cats can range from mild to severe, and sometimes point to a deeper health issue, Symptoms of cat eye infections might include redness, puffiness, and discharge in the eyes, Cat eye infections can be caused by anything from allergies, to pink eye, to feline herpes virus and more, If you think your cat has an eye infection, reach out to your primary vet for guidance, The nictating membrane a.k.a. Your cat will need to follow up with the vet several days to weeks later to have the stitches removed and . A corneal ulcer is an erosion affecting both the epithelium and the stroma. It can be heart-wrenching to watch as they suffer from partial or complete blindness, which is particularly dangerous for outdoor cats who rely heavily on their vision to hunt and navigate their surroundings. Minor injuries such as slight scratches of the cornea will often heal themselves in time. The answer to this question depends on the severity of the injury. Recovery time largely depends on the type of injury and its severity. You should also keep an eye on the injury and watch for any signs of infection, such as increased redness or discharge from the eye.If you notice any of these things, take your cat to the vet as soon as possible. It is important to allow a licensed veterinarian to make a treatment decision like this and to never try to diagnose your pet on your own. Then it will go away on its own over 2 -3 . The longer your cat goes without treatment, the greater the chance of the symptoms becoming more severe. Commonly infected parts of the eye include: Keeping chicken flocks has become increasingly popular throughout the United States. One crucial aspect of their wellbeing is their eyesight. However, if you notice any unusual symptoms or changes in your cats eyes, its always best to consult with your veterinarian. | "Do not use any over-the-counter eye drops for your cat, unless it's artificial tears," Jones says. Weepy Eye. For example, if the corneal ulcer is caused by the herpes virus, your vet may prescribe cidofovir or lysine to prevent the virus from replicating. The most common cause of corneal ulcer in cats is trauma (injury) to the eye. Discharge Redness and/or swelling around the eyes. Lets explore the different types of cat eye problems and how to recognize them. Eye infections in cats are very common, with some mild infections easily clearing up on their own, and others more serious indicating an underlying illness. Swollen eyes or conjunctivitis Clouding of the cornea Cuts or tears to the eyelid Third eyelid is showing or raised (nictitating membrane) Keeping the eye partially or completely closed For instance, an untreated eye infection may develop into a systemic infection that leads to more severe health issues such as organ failure or sepsis, which can be life-threatening. It is permanent If the ulcer is so deep that the eyeball ruptures, or if the pain is severe and cannot be controlled, your veterinarian may recommend removing the cat's eye. Most eye injuries in cats heal completely, allowing the cat to resume its normal activities. Most cat eye infections, with the exception of very mild viral-induced infections, will not heal by themselves. Diagnosing Common Eye Problems and Injuries in Cats Typically, this condition is self-limiting and resolves as the virus runs its course, but if the signs persist or worsen, your veterinarian may need to intervene.. What can I do for my cats injured eye? How to Treat Cat Eye Infection: 9 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow 2023 Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. All rights reserved. If the damage only affects a few layers of the outermost epithelium, it's only considered a corneal abrasion. If you wait too long, the damage could become irreversible and your cat could lose their vision completely.There are a few signs that you should look for that indicate your cat has an eye injury. As a devoted cat owner, your feline companion's wellbeing is a top priority. While this depends on the cause, the vast majority of eye infections require some form of treatment. If your vet suspects a neurological cause, they may want to perform other diagnostic testing, including a neurologic exam and skull x-rays. Her mealtime will serve as her reward. Most eye infections, irrespective of the infected structure, result in similar signs: In some cats, since viral infections can also result in consequences to the eyes, you might also notice: Below are the four most common causes of eye infections in cats, though many. Another common eye issue is a corneal ulcer. For more helpful tips from our Veterinary co-author, like how to administer eye drops to a squirmy kitty, read on! Read health related articles, quotes & topics! 1 Assess the severity of the scratches. If you notice something wrong with your cat's eyes, it's important to act fast. Cat Eye Injury - Cat Health Guide Theres Mucus in My Dogs Poop: What Gives? Explore our optional wellness package. Symptoms may include cloudy or blurred vision, difficulty seeing in low light conditions, and a change in eye color. Here are some telltale signs to look out for: Firstly, redness and swelling in your cats eye could be a sign of an infection or injury. This condition can cause damage to the optic nerve and vision loss due to increased pressure within the eye. Be careful not to touch the eye itself.Next, apply a cold compress to the area for a few minutes to help reduce swelling. Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets BestInsurance Services, LLC is underwritten by American PetInsurance Company, a New York insurance company headquartered at 6100 4th Ave. S. Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98108, Bruise of the Eyelids. A cat corneal ulcer (or cat eye ulcer) is a wound that develops on the surface of a cat's eye. Cats get eye infections for several reasons, with viruses, injuries, and allergies being the most common causes. Another condition that may require surgery is glaucoma. If you feel like there's something in your eye, you're going to want to rub it. If the protruded third eyelid or tear gland is red and irritated, ask the vet about prescription anti-inflammatory or steroid eye drops that you can administer at home. Small objects in the eye: Do minor eye injuries heal better with or These eye conditions require immediate attention from a veterinarian to prevent them from worsening and causing permanent damage to your cats eyesight. Doing so could make it more difficult for your vet to diagnose the protrusion. Luckily, issues involving your cat's eyes are usually readily apparent and obvious. What if my cats third eyelid won't go away? Unfortunately, these infections persist for life. Think Your Cat Has An Eye Infection? 5 Possible Causes If your cat has an injured eye, its important to keep an eye on it and seek veterinary care if the injury doesnt seem to be healing properly. Eye Injuries in Cats Veterinary reviewed by: Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS What are Eye Injuries? Mild cases may resolve on their own, but if the condition persists or worsens, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments to clear up the infection. If your cat has a minor eye injury, such as a small scratch on the cornea, it may heal within a few days. Monitor their behavior closely: Keep a close eye on your cats behavior and symptoms for any changes that could indicate a problem. However, mishaps can happen, and your kitty may end up with an eye injury. If you notice anything unusual, contact your vet immediately. Why should Maine Coon cats be kept indoors? However, more severe injuries, such as a ruptured eyeball or detached retina, can take several weeks or even months to heal. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. In most cases, a scratched eye will heal on its own within a few days.However, if the scratch is deep or if there is any damage to the cornea, youll need to take your cat to the vet for treatment. Finally, keep an eye out for your cat scratching at their eyes which may indicatea severe issue. In some circumstances, though, one or both third eyelids remain protruded. Make sure to give your cat all the antibiotics the vet gives you. Regular grooming of your cats fur and face can help prevent eye infections. In more severe cases, oral antibiotics may be needed to address an underlying condition thats causing the eye infection. Small Animal Internal Medicine, 3rd edition, 2003. Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ. Issues like conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers may be treated with antibiotics since they are often caused or at least followed by an infection. If your pets eyes have a watery discharge, redness, or your pet is squinting and avoiding light, look carefully for scratches or foreign objects in their eyes. 7 Common Cat Tail Injuries | PetMD Cone/Buster/Elizabethan collars. Since a third eyelid protrusion can make your cats eyes look and feel irritated, early treatment is recommended. Early detection and treatment can go a long way in preventing serious eye problems from developing and ensuring proper healing of your cats eyes. If you notice something wrong with your cat's eyes, it's important to act fast. Ulcerated or damaged tissues will pick up the orange dye and turn green., It is easy to see large cat eye ulcers, but special ophthalmic lights and filters may be needed to see tiny ulcers., Eye ulcers in cats are commonly caused by eye infections, catfight injuries, viral causes, and upper respiratory infections.. 7 Common Eye Injuries and How to Treat Them. The nature, force, and direction of the object's impact will help to identify which tissues may be involved. [Web blog post]. Please refer to your declarations page to determine the underwriter for your policy. Immediate treatment. Joes love for the profession comes not only from helping cats, but also from helping their owners and working with wonderful teams of people. This typically noticeable (and unseemly) medical condition is frequently associated with a head trauma and is often vision threatening. Does Pet Insurance Cover Spaying and Neutering? Eye infection is a general term used when one of the structures of the eye has been invaded by germs such as bacteria or viruses. Simple ulcers can heal within a week, but a more serious ulcer may take several weeks to heal. Cat Eye Problems: All You Need to Know Excited Cats is reader-supported. However, cats can be infected with feline herpesvirus or calicivirus, which results in changes to the eye. The third eyelid has its own tear gland. 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options available for common feline eye problems such as conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and glaucoma. A blow to the eye: Ocular and orbital trauma - Mayo Clinic Last Updated: October 28, 2021 A cat corneal ulcer (or cat eye ulcer) is a wound that develops on the surface of a cat's eye. These symptoms may indicate inflammation or infection. These can cause pain, swelling, redness and other symptoms. Thirdly, if you notice cloudiness in your cats eye, it could be a sign of a more serious condition such as cataracts or glaucoma. Jamie Freyer, DVM. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners.